Two years ago, I found a community of women who meet at 5:30am on Tuesday and Thursday to run together.
We're mothers and professionals, we manage teams and busy households. Yet, before anyone needs us, we show up for ourselves and for each other. Those early morning miles have become about far more than fitness. They've become a source of friendship, accountability, resilience, and joy.
In one of my favoite books,The Joy of Movement, Kelly McGonigal writes about how movement connects us to others and gives us a sense of purpose. My run group embodies that idea. These women have reminded me that prioritizing our health isn't selfish-it's what allows us to show up as our best selves for our families, our careers, and our communities.
As I train for the Chicago Marathon, I'm carrying that lesson with me. Running is a gift that has strengthened my body, expanded my community, and enriched my life. That's why I'm honored to support Unite 2 Fight Paralysis. Every person deserves the opportunity to experience the freedom, connection, and joy that movement can bring.
This marathon isn't just about crossing a finish line. It's about using my miles to help create hope for those living with paralysis and to support the research that can make movement possible for more people in the future.